Sugadaira Kogen is located just 60 minutes drive from Ueda Station and is home to one of Nagano’s largest ski resorts and highlands sports venues, scenic farms and plenty of accommodation. Hotels and lodges are dotted across the highlands, largely centered around the three areas of the ski resort – Taro, Davos and Pine Beak. Options range for large hotels to small, family-run lodges. As detailed on our Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort page, the overall ski resort is best-suited to beginner skiers and boarders or anyone looking for a more ‘authentic’ Japanese ski experience away from the crowds of Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen. The area also offers hiking and a welcomed respite from the heat during the summer months, and will be less crowded than many other outdoor destinations.

Best accessed by car, the area does have public transport in the form of a bus line from Ueda City. As Ueda City is located on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, its services can be used to help speed your journey along. If you do go by car, expect the journey to take 40+ minutes from central Ueda, with the drive itself being quite scenic with a variety of rural and mountain scenes unfolding as you climb higher towards Sugadaira.

Whether you intend to make your trip for snowsports or hiking, the first step will be to plan your accommodation. If visiting only for the day, staying in Ueda City will be more than suitable, but for longer trips and hiking excursions it is best to secure a room in Sugadaira itself. To get started, click on the “Booking.com” button below to see a list of local hotels. If you need help with transport or are interested in tours, click on the inquiry button to get in touch with us.